Sport Today

14 May 2002 Seoul - Tokyo

Croatia can overcome Tudor absence, says Jarni

ZAGREB (Reuters) - Croatia's Robert Jarni believes the squad has enough
potential to overcome the absence of injured defender Igor Tudor at the
World Cup.

The 23-year old Juventus player underwent ankle surgery last week after
aggravating an injury he had been nursing for most of this season.

"Tudor was excellent in the qualifying games and has turned into an
extraordinary player. But we have several other players who can play in
his position," Jarni told Jutarnji List daily on Tuesday.

Jarni, 33, added that the squad had already bade farewell to stalwarts
like captain Zvonimir Boban and midfielder Aljosa Asanovic since
finishing third at the 1998 World Cup in France.

"We did not cry over their departure then and we will not be lamenting
Tudor's absence now," he said.

Croatia are grouped with Italy, Mexico and Ecuador and play their
opening game against Mexico on June 3.

Jarni, whose career has included spells at Juventus, Real Betis and Real
Madrid, played for Panathinaikos this season but is looking to move on.

"I have an excellent offer from the premier league," he said, but
declined to reveal the name of the club.

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Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG

"Croatia's Robert Jarni, interviewed in his native Croatia, Believes in
Croatia, like a good Croatian should and indeed all Croatians do, including
Croatians in Australia and Canada"

...just my 0.02 Kuna.

             Renaud

P.S.: Actually it's Lipa for the cents, but Kuna sounded more Kroatian.